Method and system for capturing, managing and disseminating manufacturing knowledge

ABSTRACT

An independent method for configuring and extracting detailed manufacturing knowledge for fabricating an object, tool or part and storing the data to a data file or data structure. The method includes extracting design criteria from a data file and parsing criteria into elemental manufacturing building modules independent of the data file and storing the captured criteria data file. Additional manufacturing knowledge is then inputted into the meta-data file not contained in the data file by extracting manufacturing knowledge from a database housing manufacturing knowledge and incorporating this knowledge into data file which is capable of being translated to Numerical Control machine language.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority to,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/063,802, filed May 14, 2002,entitled “Method and System for Capturing, Managing and DisseminatingManufacturing Knowledge,” which claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/291,298, filed May 15, 2001, entitled “A Methodfor Capturing, Managing, and Disseminating Manufacturing Knowledge.”

Both of the above-referenced applications are herein incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to extracting and managing knowledgeregarding a manufacturing process, and more particularly toexternalizing manufacturing strategy and know how from engineeringdesign, analysis and manufacturing and planning systems and to integrateknowledge, standards and applications for the manufacturing process.

2. Brief Description of the Related Arts

The design of parts, tools, computer chips etc. have seen incredibleadvances, especially in the time it takes to go from the design phase toactually manufacturing the part or tool. This renaissance has beenbrought about mainly by the advent of the computer and specializedsoftware. Conventionally, there are four important types of softwareprograms that are used to facilitate the process from the design phaseto the manufacturing phase, as shown in Prior Art FIG. 1.

In a design phase, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software combines thetechniques of drafting and computer graphics to produce models of partsand tools to be manufactured and represents the part or tool geometry incomputer language. These models can be manipulated and tested via videodisplay screens until they incorporate the best attainable balance offeatures, as well as including ease of production and lower cost.

Popular CAD programs include CATIA, Unigraphics, Pro Engineer, AutoCadand Solidworks among others. The CAD program stores the shapes enteredas computer files generally in a proprietary format.

A CAD system typically includes the CAD software, a high-end computerworkstation, a high-quality graphics monitor, a mouse, light pen, ordigitizing tablet for drawing and a printer or plotter for printingdesign specifications and is often coupled with Computer-AidedManufacturing (CAM) software through shared databases. CAM systemsprovide the ability to convert the geometry generated by the CAD programinto machining or tool path instructions to make the part on a router,milling machine, lathe or any Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC orNC) machine.

The primary function of CAM programs is the generation of machininginstructions to produce parts, tools, etc., taking into account tool orpart features such as shape, diameter, thickness, etc. CAM systems areoffered by leading CAD vendors such as CATIA, Unigraphics, Pro-Engineerand various independent system vendors such as MasterCam, SurfCam andGibbs among others.

CAM programs store tool path information, in a file, as a set ofexecutable motion instructions. The format for these commands can beunique to a particular program or a universally accepted standard. Themost common standard format is the APT machine tool command language.APT is a common format that can be converted into a set of uniquecommands used by each CNC machine. The tool path created in the CAMsoftware package is translated into a machine specific G-Code formatwith the application of a post-processor. Post-processing softwareaccepts the tool path information and allows the user to customize thetool path commands for a particular CNC controller or machine. Thispost-processing allows for machine specific instructions such as startupand shut down, tool changers, canned cycles or special formatrequirements.

Process planning systems capture high level steps necessary to createthe part. This includes material information, general manufacturingprocesses, company standards to apply, general instructions, and qualityassurance steps.

Process planning systems generally capture “what” each step is asopposed to the details of how each step is performed. For example, atypical system will call out “Set up 1: Rough Part features on Datum Aside”. The exact instructions, such as what cutters to use, whatmachining strategies to implement, and the cutting computation, are notcaptured.

Process planning is usually performed on many different softwareapplications of varying capability. This can be as simple as a standardword processor, an internally developed software tool, or a commercialtool such as HMS-CAPP from HMS Software Inc.

Despite the advances in CAD, CAM, NC machines and process planningsystems, as described above, the traditional process still imbedsdetailed manufacturing strategies within the NC program, processplanning system and is also scattered among other documents, such asengineering drawings, local best practices, mental impressions, tradesecrets, etc. Since this valuable knowledge on how the part or objectshould be optimally manufactured can only be defined within a multitudeof proprietary systems, the prior art has several deficiencies in thisregard, such as: a) NC programming cannot begin until CAD geometry isreleased; b) moving parts between suppliers requires significant reworkto “reinvent” the manufacturing strategies because there is currently noway to communicate the proven method; c) manufacturing strategy is“buried” in software system settings and data files which are not easilytransferable between users; d) the best practices are extremelydifficult to capture, share, and implement; e) ensuring standards arebeing adhered to is difficult; and f) controlling the quality across theNC programmer staff which is dependent solely on programming experience.

The prior art is deficient in providing a manufacturing strategy that isexternalized from the multitude of manufacturing software systems andexpertise that is capable of providing system manufacturingoptimization, cost estimates, and tool path instruction, from among ahost of functions, and is available for review, optimization, andcommunication concurrently with the design phase, thus allowing for moreaccurate cost estimates, identification of producibility issues and thequantification of each issue, the selection of manufacturing centerswith capabilities necessary to optimize part manufacturing, and theimplementation of automated machining instructions, that all can begenerated and/or accessed from a library of proven manufacturingstrategies. The prior art is also deficient in not providing a methodfor outsourcing that can be controlled by providing suppliers a provenmanufacturing strategy to follow.

The prior art also does not address issues regarding quality of NCprogrammers and other post operations and does not ensure qualitycontrol providing for “best-in-class” templates to support themanufacturing process.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstanceswherein manufacturing strategy is externalized and is capable of beingshared anywhere in the world independent of manufacturing systems andtools (e.g. CAM, CAPP . . . ). In the present invention, standards areautomatically implemented and Numerical Control (NC) programming canbegin concurrently with design before final geometry is released. Thepresent invention also brings together and integrates “best practices”into day-to-day actions in the production of a part or object.Manufacturing knowledge in the present invention is also integrated fromearly on in the design and can be utilized in reoccurring manufacturingprocedures in the future.

By creating a meta-data file, manufacturing strategy is externalizedfrom manufacturing systems design files and Is available for review,optimization, and communication. The present invention facilitatesaccurate cost estimates that can be generated using proven manufacturingstrategies. The present invention further supports outsourcing, whichcan be controlled by providing suppliers a proven manufacturing strategyto follow. The present invention further provides quality control of NCprogrammers and other post operations by introducing and providing“best-in-class” meta-data file templates into the manufacturingprocesses. By virtue of decoupling the critical data from the CAD ormanufacturing systems, the externalized manufacturing strategy can beshared anywhere in the world independent of CAD or manufacturing systemsor planning systems utilized in creating the initial design data files.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof the present invention, as embodied and broadly described, the presentinvention can be characterized according to one aspect of the presentinvention as including a method for configuring detailed manufacturingknowledge for fabricating an object, the method including the extractionof design criteria from one or more a design data files. The designcriteria is captured in a meta-data file. The design criteria is parsedinto elemental manufacturing building modules independent of the datafile and stored to a meta-data file and a database, wherein the databaseincludes the extracted design criteria and the elemental manufacturingbuilding modules. Manufacturing knowledge and data not contained in thedesign data file is incorporated into the meta-data. The database isaccessed and manufacturing knowledge is extracted, if any, to optimizethe manufacturing process of the object to be fabricated andincorporated (i.e. encapsulated in) to the meta-data file, wherein themeta-data file is independent of the one or more design data files fromwhich the design criteria was extracted and the meta-data file iscapable of directing the manufacturing of the object.

The present invention can be characterized according to another aspectof the present invention as including a software product for configuringdetailed manufacturing knowledge for fabricating an object, the softwareproduct residing on a computer readable medium is capable of instructinga general purpose computer to perform and instruction set. Theinstruction set includes an instruction to extract a design criteriafrom a one or more design data files and an instruction to parse thedesign files into elemental manufacturing building modules independentof the one or more design data files and an instruction to store to adatabase a meta-data file of the extracted design criteria and theelemental manufacturing building modules. The instruction set furtherincludes an instruction for incorporating into the meta-data filemanufacturing criteria not contained in the one or more design datafiles, and an instruction for accessing the database and extractingmanufacturing knowledge, if any, and incorporate into the MDF foroptimizing the manufacturing process of the object to be fabricated andstoring the manufacturing knowledge to the meta-data file, wherein themeta-data file is independent of the one or more design data-files fromwhich the design criteria was extracted and wherein the meta-data fileis capable of directing the manufacturing of the part, tool or object.

The present invention can be characterized according to another aspectof the present invention as including a data structure for configuringmanufacturing knowledge and expertise in designing and fabricating anobject for manufacture, the data structure including a part levelstrategy section that defines general part level attributes andrequirements for manufacturing an object and a numerical control setupsection defining object fabrication activities for the object set up ona numerical control machine. The data structure further includes aquality assurance section for defining numerical control machine setup,a post operation section for defining non-machine tooling functions formanufacturing the object and a manual operation section that definesattributes of non-Numerical Control machine driven operations.

The present invention can be characterized according to a further aspectof the present invention as including a software product for configuringdetailed manufacturing knowledge for fabricating an object, the softwareproduct residing on a computer readable medium capable of instructing ageneral purpose computer to perform instructions for extracting a designcriteria from one or more design data files, instructions for parsingdesign criteria into elemental manufacturing building modulesindependent of the one or more design data files and storing to adatabase a meta-data file comprising the extracted design criteria andthe elemental manufacturing building modules and instructions forincorporating into the meta-data file manufacturing criteria notcontained in the one or more design data files. The software productfurther includes includes instructions for accessing the database andextracting manufacturing knowledge, if any, for optimizing themanufacturing process of the object to be fabricated and incorporatingthe manufacturing knowledge into the meta-data file, wherein themeta-data file is independent of the one or more design data files fromwhich the design criteria was extracted and wherein the meta-data fileis capable directing the manufacturing of the object to be fabricated.

The present invention can be characterized according to an additionalaspect of the present invention as including a system for configuringdetailed manufacturing knowledge for fabricating an object, the systemincluding a data processor having memory capable of inputting andoutputting data and instructions to peripheral devices. The systemadditionally includes a database in communication with the dataprocessor for storing, accessing and retrieving data and a graphicaluser interface capable of interfacing with and navigating a softwareproduct for configuring detailed manufacturing knowledge. The softwareproduct is capable of directing the data processor and includesinstructions: for extracting a design criteria from one or more designdata files; for parsing design criteria into elemental manufacturingbuilding modules independent of the one or more design data files andstoring to a database a meta-data file comprising the extracted designcriteria and the elemental manufacturing building modules; forincorporating into the meta-data file manufacturing criteria notcontained in the one or more design data files; and for accessing thedatabase and extracting manufacturing knowledge, if any, for optimizingthe manufacturing process of the object to be fabricated andincorporating the manufacturing knowledge into the meta-data file,wherein the meta-data file is independent of the one or more design datafiles from which the design criteria was extracted and wherein themeta-data file is capable directing the manufacturing of the object tobe fabricated.

The present invention can be characterized according another aspect ofthe present invention as including a system for configuring detailedmanufacturing knowledge for fabricating an object, the system includinga data processor and memory capable of inputting and outputting data andinstructions to peripheral devices and a database in communication withthe data processor for storing, accessing and retrieving data. Agraphical user is employed for interfacing with and navigating asoftware product for configuring detailed manufacturing knowledge. Thesoftware product is capable of instructing the data processor to performinstructions pursuant to the software product, the software productincludes instructions to: extract a design criteria from design datafiles; parse design criteria into manufacturing building blocksindependent of the design data files and storing to a database themanufacturing building blocks; incorporate into the design criteriamanufacturing criteria not contained in the design data files; andaccesses the database and extract manufacturing knowledge, if any, foroptimizing the manufacturing process of the object to be fabricated andincorporating the manufacturing knowledge into the manufacturingprocess; and manufacturing the object to be fabricated.

Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theaspects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained bymeans of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of theinvention and together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a Prior Art view of a conventional CAD, CAE, CAM and NCmachine function and operation;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 depicts a portion of a schematic diagram of the operation of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram continuation of FIG. 3 of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 depicts a schematic diagram continuation of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 ofpresent invention;

FIG. 6 depicts a schematic diagram of a cost advisor module of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic diagram of a meta-data file advisor of theoperation of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts a schematic diagram of a supplier search advisor moduleof the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts a schematic diagram of a producibility advisor module ofthe present invention;

FIG. 10 depicts a schematic diagram of a virtual co-location advisormodule of the present invention;

FIG. 11 depicts a schematic diagram of a meta-data file viewer module ofthe present invention;

FIG. 12 depicts a schematic diagram of a tool path advisor module of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 depicts a schematic diagram of a status tracking advisor moduleof the present invention;

FIG. 14 depicts a NC setup section of the meta-data file format of thepresent invention;

FIG. 15 depicts a manual operation section of the meta-data file formatof the present invention;

FIG. 16 depicts a quality assurance section of the meta-data file formatof the present invention;

FIG. 17 depicts a post operation section of the meta-data file format ofthe present invention;

FIG. 18 depicts a cutting assembly definition section of the meta-datafile format of the present invention;

FIG. 19 depicts a NC action section of the meta-data file format of thepresent invention;

FIG. 20 depicts a quality assurance action section of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 depicts an example of a meta-data data structure/file of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 22 depicts a system diagram of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts (elements).

In accordance with the present invention, the present invention includesa method for configuring detailed manufacturing knowledge forfabricating an object, the method including the extraction of designcriteria from one or more design data files. The design criteria iscaptured in a meta-data file. The design criteria is parsed intoelemental manufacturing building modules independent of the data fileand stored to a database and a meta-data file including the extracteddesign criteria and the elemental manufacturing building modules.Manufacturing knowledge and data not contained in the design data fileis incorporated into the meta-data file. The database is accessed andmanufacturing knowledge is extracted, if any, to optimize themanufacturing process of the object to be fabricated and storing themanufacturing knowledge to the meta-data file, wherein the meta-datafile is independent of the one or more design data files from which thedesign criteria was extracted and wherein the meta-data file is capableof directing the manufacturing of the object.

The present invention further includes a data structure for configuringmanufacturing knowledge and expertise in designing and fabricating anobject for manufacture, the data structure including a part levelstrategy section that defines general part level attributes andrequirements for manufacturing an object and a numerical control setupsection defining object fabrication activities for the object set up ona numerical control machine. The data structure further includes aquality assurance section for defining numerical control machine setup,a post operation section for defining non-machine tooling functions formanufacturing the object and a manual operation section that definesattributes of non-Numerical Control machine driven operations.

The present invention additionally includes a software product forconfiguring detailed manufacturing knowledge for fabricating an object,the software product residing on a computer readable medium capable ofinstructing a general purpose computer to perform instructions forextracting a design criteria from one or more design data files,instructions for parsing design criteria into elemental manufacturingbuilding modules independent of the one or more design data files andstoring to a database a meta-data file comprising the extracted designcriteria and the elemental manufacturing building modules andinstructions for incorporating into the meta-data file manufacturingcriteria not contained in the one or more design data files. Thesoftware product further includes instructions for accessing thedatabase and extracting manufacturing knowledge, if any, for optimizingthe manufacturing process of the object to be fabricated andincorporating the manufacturing knowledge into the meta-data file,wherein the meta-data file is independent of the one or more design datafiles from which the design criteria was extracted and wherein themeta-data file is capable directing the manufacturing of the object tobe fabricated.

The present invention still further includes a system for configuringdetailed manufacturing knowledge for fabricating an object, the systemincluding a data processor having memory capable of inputting andoutputting data and instructions to peripheral devices. The systemadditionally includes a database in communication with the dataprocessor for storing, accessing and retrieving data and a graphicaluser interface capable of interfacing with and navigating a softwareproduct for configuring detailed manufacturing knowledge. The softwareproduct is capable of directing the data processor and includesinstructions: for extracting a design criteria from one or more designdata files; for parsing design criteria into elemental manufacturingbuilding modules independent of the one or more design data files andstoring to a database a meta-data file comprising the extracted designcriteria and the elemental manufacturing building modules; forincorporating into the meta-data file manufacturing criteria notcontained in the one or more design data files; and for accessing thedatabase and extracting manufacturing knowledge, if any, for optimizingthe manufacturing process of the object to be fabricated andincorporating the manufacturing knowledge into the meta-data file,wherein the meta-data file is independent of the one or more design datafiles from which the design criteria was extracted and wherein themeta-data file is capable directing the manufacturing of the object tobe fabricated.

The present invention also includes a system for configuring detailedmanufacturing knowledge for fabricating an object, the system includinga data processor and memory capable of inputting and outputting data andinstructions to peripheral devices and a database in communication withthe data processor for storing, accessing and retrieving data. Agraphical user interface is employed for interfacing with and navigatinga software product for configuring detailed manufacturing knowledge. Thesoftware product is capable of instructing the data processor to performinstructions pursuant to the software product, the software productincludes instructions to: extract a design criteria from design datafiles; parse design criteria into manufacturing building blocksindependent of the design data files and storing to a database themanufacturing building blocks; incorporate into the design criteriamanufacturing criteria not contained in the design data files; andaccess the database and extract manufacturing knowledge, if any, foroptimizing the manufacturing process of the object to be fabricated andincorporating the manufacturing knowledge into the manufacturingprocess; and the manufacture the object to be fabricated.

The design data file can be generated by many different program sourcessuch as CAE, CAD, CAM, CAPP, Planning Systems, and tool path programs,among others, as shown in prior art FIG. 1. Also any drawings, plans anddatabases containing standards, best practices etc. can also be accessedand utilized to provide the meta-data file with additional manufacturinginformation. Basically, the detail knowledge can come from anyextractable source.

The present invention further includes a software product forconfiguring detailed manufacturing knowledge for fabricating an object,the software product residing on a computer readable medium is capableof instructing a general purpose computer to perform and instructionset. The instruction set includes an instruction to extract a designcriteria from a one or more design data files and an instruction toparse the design criteria into elemental manufacturing building modulesindependent of the one or or more design data files and storing to adatabase a meta-data file of the extracted design criteria and theelemental manufacturing building modules. The instruction set furtherincludes an instruction for incorporating into the meta-data filemanufacturing criteria not contained in the one or more design datafiles, and an instruction for accessing the database and extractingmanufacturing knowledge, if any, for optimizing the manufacturingprocess of the object to be fabricated and storing the manufacturingknowledge to the meta-data file, wherein the meta-data file isindependent of the one or more design data-files from which the designcriteria was extracted and the meta-data file is directing themanufacturing of the object.

The reader should note that throughout the specification any referencesto CAM, CAD, CAE, CAPP, Planning Systems or similar and complimentarysoftware programs are used to refer to the general nature and conceptsunderpinning these software systems/programs as a class. The overallpackage and concepts may have been modified by numerous vendors,incorporated in to suites and customized for third parties, yet theyretain their core attributes and function substantially the same in thatthey assist the user in the design, analysis and manufacture of anobject, part or tool.

Finite-element Analysis (FEA) is one example of a commonly used softwareanalysis tool. It generally provides for mechanical simulation of a partor object in which the structure or part is divided into small elementswith easily defined stress and deflection characteristics. It can beutilized to provide dynamic, thermal and fluid analysis.

Product data management (PDM) software and systems organize, manage andtrack products, drawings and design or model data via a databasemanagement system and is utilized to control information, files,documents and work processes necessary to design, manufacture, support,distribute and maintenance of a product. The information typicallymanaged by the PDM includes, but is not limited to, design geometry,engineering drawings, project plans, part files, assembly diagrams,product specifications, NC machine-tool programs, analysis results,correspondence, bills of material (BOMs) and engineering change orders(ECOs). Essential PDM software provides the conduit for ideas,information and changes throughout supply and manufacturing chains.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are primarily utilized toplan and manage manufacturing operations and Supply Chain Management(SCM) systems let suppliers play a role in the manufacturing process.

One aspect of the present invention is the ability to manage themanufacturing knowledge external from typical software programs and datafiles and planning systems, which allows dissemination of the knowledgewithout requiring users to have the same underlying proprietary softwaresystem.

The MDF file can be created, matured, and released concurrent withengineering design activities to capture manufacturing requirements,material preparation activities, support producibility and costingapplications. After design release, the MDF is populated with actualmanufacturing elements to drive automated manufacturing and statustracking applications. The present invention is also capable ofproviding a vehicle for reuse of standards and distribution of provenmanufacturing methods.

By capturing the manufacturing methods for a part in an independent way,new processes can be implemented to optimize internal manufacturingcenters as well as in the exchange of work between suppliers, in themulti-sourcing of parts and in the integration of the supply chain.

MDF files can be populated through user interactions via a MDF Editor,which provides users with the ability to create, modify, manage, andrelease the MDF file by extracting data from a completed CAM NC orsimilar type program through a system interface. A host of systeminterfaces are provided by the present invention initially to meet thirdparty needs. The present invention contemplates the addition of and theincorporation of additional system interfaces to accommodate variousmanufacturing systems, CAM programs and NC machines of the end user. Aperson of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the systeminterfaces can be readily modified to keep pace with evolving technologyand equipment updates by the vendor/supplier.

The MDF further includes Internet viewing functionality that allows eventhe smallest vendor or manufacturer, anywhere in the world, to evaluateand implement proven manufacturing methods, standards, best practicesetc.

The information managed in the MDF matures from early part design, whenthe information is basic manufacturing requirements and recommendations(e.g. machine envelope requirements, cutting tools recommendations,etc.) to the actual management of manufacturing center specific data(e.g. the actual machine envelope of the machine where the part is to bemanufactured and the cutting tool for a specific shop by trackingnumber) later in the process.

The MDF file can be formatted in an XML format or HTML format or similardata structure or file that captures information and relationshipsbetween information as necessary.

A library of MDF files, in multiple file formats, can be managed toprovide proven methods for manufacturing parts within a part family,category, sub-category or grouping. These proven methods can then betransferred to suppliers, anywhere in the world, and implemented in themanufacturing methods applied to build the part.

The MDF provides the basis for a series of enhanced manufacturingprocesses and applications. The process and applications include, amongothers, detailed part cost estimation (Cost Advisor), producibilityfeedback (Producibility Advisor), searching for the most capablesuppliers (Supplier Search Advisor), concurrent and enhanced NCprogramming (Tool Path Advisor), and integrating manufacturing expertsinto an Internet community (Knowledge Associates Network).

The MDF can be integrated with CAM systems (e.g. CATIA MFGPROG, UGManufacturing Module, etc.) and process planning systems throughApplication Programming Interfaces (API) to provide a completeend-to-end integrated solution.

FIG. 2 illustrates the basic process in the creation of the meta-datafile or data structure. At step 205 the file has been created by thedesigner and saved to one of the multitude of file formats. At step 210the present invention extracts the design criteria from the design datafile. For instance, if the design calls for cutting three 1″H×1″W×1″Dcut-outs in a titanium or other type of material the present inventionextracts this information and the design criteria. The typical programrepresents this procedure as one transaction or event and not threeseparate transactions or events. In this example the present inventionextracts the numbers of cutouts, their dimensions the preferred materialto utilize and so on until it has the required information to executethe design.

At step 215 the design criteria extracted in step 210 is further parsedto determine if the design criteria can be further reduced into simplerunits such as manufacturing building modules, basic building blocks,etc. By way of analogy, this would be like taking a molecule andbreaking into its constituent atoms. Therefore, in the above example thethree 1″H×1″W×1″D cut-outs would not be integrated together as in theconventional data file but be parsed into a single 1″H×1″W×1″D cut-outbeing performed three times. This allows for ease of designmanipulation. In the present invention if one of the cut-outs is alteredonly that cut-out need be modified. In the engineering designing systemof the prior art the single entry for the three 1″H×1″W×1″D cut-outsmust be modified.

At step 220 it is determined if the elemental module, unit or buildingblock is already within the database. Typically, after a period of use,the user will have built-up a library of elements, parts, tools, etc.with attendant manufacturing know how, mental impressions, and expertisein the fabrication of that part. If it is determined that the elementalmodule or building block is in the database then the elementalmanufacturing building block is selected along with its attendantmanufacturing information, step 230. If the elemental manufacturingbuilding block is not found in the database, it is stored in thedatabase and is incorporated as shown at step 225.

At step 230, depending on the outcome of the search performed at step220, manufacturing knowledge, if any, is extracted from the database andat step 235 the design criteria, incorporating any elemental modules andmanufacturing knowledge, is incorporated into the meta-data file.

The MDF is an organized and quantified collection of manufacturing“elements”. These elements are assembled and managed in the MDF file todefine the detailed manufacturing approach for metallic, plastic,ceramic or composite parts and tools. The elements are managed in such away as to allow population of manufacturing requirements early in thedesigning process and then the instantiation of specific information tosupport the down stream manufacturing processes.

The MDF includes at least one Part Level Strategy, as shown in FIG. 21,or Header Section contains the general part level attributes andrequirements. The Header section, not shown, contains attributes thatapply to the entire MDF and manages the order and organization. The PartLevel Strategy section includes, but is not limited to, attributes suchas material, part type, stock type, etc.

FIG. 14 depicts a Manual Operation Section table or file. The ManualOperation Section defines attributes of “non-NC driven” operations suchas manual sawing, moving clamps, manual hole drilling. These operationsprovide context for important transition activities, help drive accurateoverall cost estimates, and in developing optimized manufacturing plans.

FIG. 15 depicts a QA (quality assurance) Operation Section table orfile. The QA Operation Section defines QA activities that do not occuron a machine tool. Activities occurring during a machine tool setuptypically are managed within a NC Operation Section as a QA Action.Typical activities include Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) checks,manual QA checks, layout checks, etc.

FIG. 16 depicts a NC Setup Section table or file. The NC Setup Sectionmanages the part fabrication activities for a single part “set up” onthe machine. Typically, this manages all activities between operatorinteractions to physically move the part. The Section manages a seriesof operations such as cutting assembly definition, NC actions, QAActions, and Manual Operations (operations that require operator actionlike moving clamps or adding hold-down bolts). The NC Setup Sectionfurther includes information regarding NC Programmer User, versioningand machine specification. As new models or versions of the NC machinebecome available the NC program may have to be modified to fully utilizethe capabilities of the new NC machine or may have to be modified forthe new NC machine to work at all. The present invention via an MDFeditor can produce or modify interfaces to support the continuous fullfunctionality and operation of the MDF and the manufacturing process.

FIG. 17 depicts a Post Operation Section table or file. The PostOperation Section manages operations such as heat treating, chemicalprocessing, etc. This section provides context to support costing,managing proven manufacturing methods, and captures necessary steps inthe manufacturing process. The Post Operation Section includes postprocessing type, post processing requirements, and status tracking datesamong others.

FIG. 18 depicts a Cutting Assembly Definition section table or file. Itdefines the cutting tool assembly to be used in a section of the MDF. Ifthe same cutting tool assembly is used later in the MDF, it is listedagain in the appropriate location relating to the order of theoperations. The Cutting Assembly Definition starts with basicrequirements early in the process and will later mature into shopspecific definitions. The Cutting Assembly Definition includes cuttingtool descriptions, holder descriptions, cutting tool assemblyidentifiers, base speeds and feeds.

FIG. 19 depicts a NC Action element table or file. The NC Action definesa single NC component (e.g. finish floor of the pockets). A CuttingAssembly definition typically will have one or more NC actions assignedto it, as each defines a particular machining task. The NC Actionelement includes NC operation type, feature group, feature type, andcutting parameters among others.

FIG. 20 depicts a QA Actions table or file. The QA Actions are manualchecking activities that occur during a setup on the machine that do notrequire automated methods like machine probing. These operationsinclude, but are not limited to, QA operation types, feature group typesand feature types.

As previously stated, with the MDF of the present invention, themanufacturing strategy is externalized from the designing system and isavailable for review, optimization, and communication. The MDF supportsaccurate cost estimates that can be generated using proven manufacturingstrategies. Outsourcing can be controlled by providing suppliers aproven manufacturing strategy to follow. Quality control of NC programsand other post operations can be managed by providing “best-in-class”MDF templates to the manufacture of the particular object or parts.

The manufacturing strategy is externalized and can be shared anywhere inthe world independent of the original authoring tools or the softwarepackages and programs utilized by the manufacturer or supplier. In thepresent invention, standards are automatically implemented, thusdetailed manufacturing activities such as NC programming can beginconcurrently with the engineering design and before final geometry isreleased. By virtue of this functionality, best practices are capable ofbeing integrated into the day-to-day operations of the manufacture. Withthe advent of manufacturing knowledge being integrated from early in thedesign phase, the best configuration of equipment, supplier andpractices can be incorporated initially in to the overall design.

FIG. 21 depicts an example of a meta-data file or data structure of thepresent invention.

A detailed description of another aspect of the present invention willbe undertaken regarding the path flow and logic of the invention. Thedesigner via part definition module 302 defines the preliminarydefinition of the part, as shown in FIG. 3. Depending on the designphase, this may be a simple sketch or a preliminary solid modeldefinition. The design makes the part definition available to amanufacturing focal. In the initial analysis module 304 retrieves thepart design. The part is either analyzed via automated part analysismodule 306, or is completed manually by the user. A basic manufacturingapproach is determined at this point, if multiple approaches areavailable they can be generated and explored at a later time or the usercan be provided with multiple scenarios if the differences in cost andproduction time fall within a predetermined range range of each other.

The manufacturing focal determines whether an existing meta-data file(MDF) input exists for the manufacturing approach via module 308. If aMDF does exist, the MDF is retrieved by retrieval module 312 from a MDFlibrary as defined by MDF library module 314. For instance, if the CADdesign calls for the fabrication of a titanium spar with pockets on bothsides, the present invention determines if it has within its database anexact match for the desired manufacturing approach or a manufacturingapproach or template in close proximity to the desired manufacturingapproach. In this example the database will most likely find a designfor a titanium plate part with a best in class manufacturing approachfor cutting titanium. The approach defines the best manufacturingpractice for cutting the pockets, but does not specify the number ofpockets. Based on the design, the number of pockets are entered.

In the standard CAM case, the know how associated with the cutting ofthe pockets has to be determined and relearned for every part. Themachining instructions are also determined for each part independentlyand are dependant on the skills, knowledge and experience of themanufacturing focal. The conventional CAD and CAM designs do not breakthe design into individual elemental modules or building blocks that canbe used independently of the current design. All knowledge is imbeddedin the design parameters and is not easily extracted for future use.

If the library does not contain a MDF with an appropriate manufacturingapproach, the producibility analyst via module 310, as shown in FIG. 3,creates a new MDF, typically starting with the closest available MDF inthe library, and modifying it for the specific design.

Modules 316, 318 and 320 describe the high level processes utilized tosupport the calculation of a cost estimate utilizing the selected MDF.Module 316 defines feature attributes and describes the user action ofentering basic part parameters, such as material and stock type,defining part features, like pockets and holes and describing postprocesses-like cleaning and shot peening.

Estimating the cost of a part is performed by module 318, which directsthe cost engine analyzing part attributes and the MDF file and utilizesa series of cost rules to calculate a cost estimate for recurring andnon-recurring manufacturing activities. A detailed cost report isgenerated via module 320.

The Supplier Advisor application, as shown in FIG. 4, embodied in module422 analyzes part manufacturing requirements defined in the MDFdefinition and the user entered part attribute information to: 1)determine possible suppliers with the manufacturing capabilitiesnecessary to manufacture the part; and 2) analyze particular suppliercapabilities to document possible limitations and issues. The IntegratedProducer (VIP) Supplier Capability Database, defined in module 424,contains detailed manufacturing capabilities of suppliers, worldwide.This includes number and type of machines, post processing operationsavailable, and machines and engineering capabilities. Module 426generates a detailed supplier report based on this data.

In the Producibility Advisor application, manufacturing rules from usingcompanies Best Practices Knowledge Base module 430 and fromManufacturing Knowledge Base module 434 along with the MDF andmanufacturing attribute data are analyzed and part producibilityviolations, limitations and constraints are identified via modules 428and 432. A detailed producibility report is generated and configured bymodule 436. The producibility analyst (i.e. user or designer orengineer) interacts with the designer, over the Internet or othercommunication network, using the Producibility Advisor, to track allissues to closure. Designer/fabrication interaction module 438 describesand facilitates the interaction between the designer and producibilityanalyst.

In module 440 a determination of whether a real time collaborativereview is needed. The real time collaboration is accomplished utilizinga Virtual Collocation Advisor application of module 442. This occurs ifissues cannot be resolved through the standard producibility process orif issues require multiple parties interacting in real time. The realtime collaboration session brings together all needed designers andmanufacturing experts into a “virtual” session to review and closeproducibility issues. This session integrates the cost study 318,producibility report 436, MDF, part attributes, and part geometry into ashared user session on multiple Internet, WAN, LAN, or communicationsnetwork connected via computers and workstations.

If the part is released by the design group via module 444, themanufacturing processes will begin. If the part is still undergoingiterations by the designers, the part is analyzed by the producibilityexpert each time a change is identified by module 313, as shown in FIG.3. The analysis focuses on what changed between design iterations. If achange in the part requires the manufacturing strategy to be modified,the MDF is updated as required via module 311. The process iteratesagain as required until the part design is completed and released.

Utilizing the MDF, producibility report, and part attributes, supplierswith the capabilities required to produce the part are identified in theSupplier Search Advisor application of module 480, as shown in FIG. 4and FIG. 5. The VIP Suppliers Capability Database module 424, is used asa reference on what capabilities each supplier has available. A detailedreport is generated for suppliers via module 426, as shown in FIGS. 4and 5.

Once the design company selects a supplier via module 520, the MDF andsupporting knowledge is made available to the supplier, over the web orother global communication network, anywhere in the world.

The supplier can then access the MDF Viewer application module 525, toreview the manufacturing strategy developed throughout the process. TheMDF is then tailored for the specifics of the selected supplier inmodule 540. This is accomplished in the Tool Path Advisor applicationutilizing the Integrated Producers (VIP)—Suppliers Capabilities Databaseas defined by module 424. Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) operationsare created, in the suppliers desired CAM system software, by linkingthe MDF to the CAM system through Application Programming Interfaces(API) links module 545.

An MDF is tailor made via module 540 for supplier. The MDF is thenutilized to create a CAD or CAM or software data file via module 545.The MDF is used to define the basic structure of a Build Statusframework module 555. Each major element of manufacturing, (i.e. each NCsetup, CMM operation, and post processing step) is listed and thesupplier defines a planned start and end dates for each. As themanufacturing proceeds, the supplier maintains the report updatingstatus of each of the major tasks via module 568. Modules 555 and 560comprise part of the Status Tracking advisor 550.

At module 565 a determination is made whether a real-time collaborationsession is required. A collaboration session via Virtual Planning module555 may be set-up to resolve a particular problem, review a part design,or review status. Collaboration Advisor 570 and real time collaborationmodule 575 are capable of integrating a video image from the suppliersshop with all other configured part knowledge.

Once the part is completed and the manufacturing approach is proven, adetermination of whether the MDF should be stored as either a newstandard, variant of the standard or alternate standard in the MDFlibrary is performed via module 580. In module 585, the manufacturingexpert reviews the MDF and takes out all part specific items and storesthe MDF in the MDF library module 590.

In the Cost Advisor application 360, detailed cost reports are generatedfor the manufacturing processes encapsulated in the MDF. The user caneither start a new cost run via module 602, or review an existing costrun, module 640, as shown in FIG. 6. When the cost advisor is executed,the application first determines whether a link to the users ProductData Management (PDM) system module 604 exists. This link is capable ofbeing accomplished by creating an XML, HTML or similar interface to theprograms specific data.

If there is a link to the users PDM system, module 606 retrieves thecost attributes from the PDM, described in program PDM module 608, andis loaded into the Cost Advisor application 360. If no link exists, thenvia module 610, the user is prompted to enter cost attributes. Theseattributes include material type, stock, type, number of part produced,complexity of the part, etc.

In module 612, the user is then prompted to select a meta-data file(MDF) file from either the MDF library module 614, or from a personal orshared file module 616. The MDF describes the detailed manufacturingmethodology to apply in the cost run. This includes the order ofoperations, cutting tools, feeds/speeds, among other parameters. Inmodule 618, the user is then presented with a list of post processingoperations to consider. These include operations like cleaning,painting, heat treating, shoot peening, etc. The user selects the postoperation type that applies and the number of operations required.

The MDF is parsed, and all referenced feature groups along with theirrelated feature types are extracted. Based on the feature types and thecorresponding manufacturing operation defined in the MDF, the user ispresented a list of feature definitions to define. In module 620, theuser enters the associated feature information such as length, width,and depths of pockets, diameter and depths of holes, and lengths,widths, depths of profiles, and etc.

The part definition, including the part features, MDF methodology, andpost processing operations are analyzed via module 622. The featureanalysis evaluates factors such as appropriate cutter selection giventhe feature dimensions and whether the offset values, step over, anddepths of cut are appropriate. The manufacturing knowledge used indetermining the possible overrides is contained in the ManufacturingKnowledge Base module 624.

In module 626, the user is presented with the current values along withthe suggested overrides. The user can select none, one, many, or all ofthe override conditions to apply. If override values are selected, thenin module 628, the MDF is updated with these values. The cost engine isthen executed via module 630. The cost engine uses the MDF and featureattributes to determine the run times for each operation of the MDF. AManufacturing Knowledge Base, as defined in module 632, is therepository for the run time calculation rules and methods. The costingengine also creates a detailed cost report with non-recurring andrecurring costs segmented into major categories and visual pie charts.

For example, a roughing operation for a group of pockets defined in theMDF has a defined cutting tool, depth of cut, tool motion definition,feed/speed, and entry/exit method. Using this information along with thefeature definition defining the size of the pockets, the estimated runtime can be calculated by mathematically estimating the tool path motionand speed.

The cost engine also uses information about the overall size of thepart, the complexity, number of features, MDF complexity, the number ofoperations in the MDF, and other part attribute information, todetermine all other recurring and non-recurring cost estimates for thepart. In module 634, the user can review a detailed cost report and theuser has the option to begin the entire cost process again, or viamodule 636, generate a cost iteration. A cost iteration is the abilityto change one or more values from the cost run and generate anotherreport as defined by module 638. For example, the stock type couldchange from a billet to a forging, and a new cost estimated would needto be generated via Calculate Run Time module 630.

The user can also review an existing cost run that has been previouslysaved via module 640. The user is presented a list of accessible costruns managed by the user, and module 642 provides the user with theability to select from the list. The user is then then able to reviewreports and run iterations if desired.

The MDF advisor allows the creation and manipulation of a MDF to capturedetailed fabrication processes. In module 702, as depicted in FIG. 7,the system determines whether a MDF is currently active, and the userselects to continue with the current active MDF or select another. TheMDF Advisor is used to read, review, modify, update, and save MDF files.The user is first queried about opening an existing MDF or creating anew MDF via module 704.

Module 706 describes the retrieving of an existing MDF. The user canselect a MDF from the MDF library of standard manufacturingmethodologies, as defined in module 708, or from a file or database, asdefined in module 710. If no current MDF exists, the user can create anew MDF by adding required MDF attributes like name and user as describeby module 712.

The MDF information can be edited via module 714. The information thatcan be edited via module 714 includes, but is not limited to, adding amachining set-up, adding a cutting tool operation, defining a NC action,defining a CMM action, defining a post process activity, and definingplanning dates for major activity.

Throughout the editing process, the user interacts with theManufacturing Knowledge Base module 716. Module 716 contains company andproprietary standards for pocketing routines, cutting tool suggestions,suggestions to reduce cost and complexity, among other manufacturingsuggestions. A user can decide whether or not to save updates in module718. In module 720, the updated MDF can be saved either to the MDFlibrary, module 722, or to system file module 724.

In the Supplier Search Advisor application 480, capable suppliers areidentified and their possible capability deficiencies are documented.The application checks via module 802, as shown in FIG. 8, as to whetheror not a MDF file and all associated part attributes have been definedand are active and available. If there is no current MDF, the user isprompted via module 804 to select a MDF. The user can select from a MDFlibrary, defined in module 806, or from a local file or database module808.

Once the MDF is selected, additional attributes are defined for the partin module 810. This includes all major manufacturing activities, partmaterial, part size and complexity, among others. In module 812, thepart attributes necessary to search for suppliers are extracted from theMDF. Utilizing a search algorithm via module 814, the part manufacturingrequirements are compared to supplier capabilities. The user can selectsuppliers to search in the system from the entire worldwide database, aparticular geographical region, a specific manufacturing capability, ora reduced list, possible of only one, of possible suppliers. TheIntegrated Produces (VIP) Supplier Capability Database 424, furtherdefined in module 816, contains the details of each supplier'scapabilities and selection algorithms. For each supplier, a list ofdetailed producibility considerations is generated. This includescapabilities the supplier may not possess, general producibility issues,and general sourcing considerations.

Once the raw supplier data is generated for the part, a report isgenerated via module 818. The report formats the data based on userselections. The report will be generated and managed in the system, asdescribed in module 820. If desired, a regional considerations report isanalyzed in module 822. This report includes regional issues forfabrication like availability of special processing capabilities,availability of knowledge workers, and sourcing alternatives. TheIntegrated Produces (VIP) Supplier Capability Database 424, furtherdefined in module 816, provides the detailed supplier capabilities andthe regional consideration rules. A report is generated and configuredfor the user via module 826.

The Producibility Advisor identifies, configures, manages, and storesmanufacturing rules and knowledge from a producibility session. Theseproducibility sessions occur between a design and one or moremanufacturing experts. Given a MDF file and corresponding partattributes, the system searches for producibility rule violations inmodule 902, as shown in FIG. 9. This is accomplished by searching forconditions in the MDF that have similar conditions to a manufacturingrule, defined in the Companies Best Practices Knowledge Base module 904.A report is developed for the user via module 906. The report contains alist of all of the producibility violations, descriptions of theviolations, ways to resolve the problems, and potential costs associatedto the items.

The manufacturing producibility expert is assigned to the part viamodule 908. This includes instructions on how the geometry for the partcan be accessed. This could also include downloading from a host server,downloading directly from a designers Program Data Management (PDM)system, as defined by module 910, or by accessing a dataset via module912. This process can occur anytime from very early in the design phasewhen only preliminary solids or general part sketches exist, to finalpart release when detailed part definitions are available.

The manufacturing expert performs a detailed producibility review of thepart in module 914. This includes using software tools and knowledgebases, as defined in module 916, and following manual checklists,defined in module 918. The manufacturing expert identifies producibilityissues in module 920. This includes each items category, type, andpotential cost implications. These issues contain a general descriptionand a detailed description. The manufacturing expert enters each iteminto the Producibility Advisor application via module 922.

For each item, a “next action” user is added to each item in module 924.This is the party that is required to continue the item. This mayinclude the designer, another producibility expert, purchasing, orinternal manufacturing experts. When this item is set, an e-mail is sentto that person requesting them to access that producibility session toresolve a producibility issue. The “next action” user module 926 selectsa link in the e-mail, and enters into the Producibility Advisor session,directly into the item in question. The user then reviews the items anddevelops a response.

The user has the option to close the item module 928. If the user doesnot close the item, a response to the item is generated and entered intothe producibility Advisor application in module 930. The user also setsa new “next action” participant in module 932. If the user decides toclose the item in module 928, then the user can decide whether or not toenter the decision into the companies best practice knowledge base viamodule 934.

In module 936, the user selects whether to enter the item in the bestpractices knowledge base. The user employs the Producibility Advisorapplication 922 to enter a description of the issue and resolution, andselect key words and attributes that will be used in future retrievalsof knowledge by designers. The data item is then stored in the company'sbest practices knowledge base in module 938.

The system manages all items identified by the manufacturingproducibility expert. If all items have not been closed, as determinedby module 940, the application continues to work each item. If all itemshave been closed for the part, the application is complete.

When issues in a producibility session cannot be resolved in the generalsession, a Virtual Co-location Advisor session can be established toresolve issues with many participants in real time, co-located virtuallyby looking at the same information on several computers.

A Virtual Co-Location application (VCLA) 495 first converts all CADsystem geometry, usually solid models, into what is required for thegeometry viewing systems via module 1002, as shown in FIG. 10. In module1004 the converted geometry is added to the Viewing Database module1006. A session is scheduled with all participants via module 1008. TheVCLA 495 contains scheduling tools to help participants select potentialtimes. Every participant will either be categorized as “required”,meaning the session will not occur without them, “important”, where thesession can continue but every effort should be exercised to includethem, or “optional”.

At the prescribed time, the participants log-on to the session, asprovided by module 1010. Each will have access to see the geometry, theproducibility reports, and the cost sessions. These sessions can alsoinclude video. This usually occurs in cases where a part is beingreviewed in a shop remotely. In module 1012, the participants work eachissue to a conclusion and the session is closed via module 1014.

The ability to view MDFs is accomplished through a MDF viewer 525. TheMDF viewer is Internet enabled software that can be accessed from thehost website, anywhere in the world. The viewer allows review of MDFdata, but not updates or changes. It is determined via module 1102, asshown in FIG. 11, if the user does not have access to a MDF viewer, theuser is prompted to download a version. Via module 1104, the useraccesses the host web site and downloads an appropriate viewer. The userthen configures the viewer via module 1108.

The MDF file is accessed via module 1110. This can be as an e-mailattachment, directly from the host server, or from a flat file as defineby module 1112. The MDF values can then be reviewed via module 1114. Theuser can traverse selectable fields, review order and details of themanufacturing strategy, and understand manufacturing intent. The viewerdoes not allow the user to make or save updates to the MDF. Access tothe MDF Advisor application is required to modify MDF data.

The Tool Path Advisor application 535 tailors the MDF with a suppliersspecific cutting tools, standards, and processes. The MDF is thenintegrated with the suppliers CAM or similar type system to create NCoperations and tool path instructions, as shown in FIG. 12.

In module 1202 the MDF file is accessed and retrieved. The MDF can be ina file format, retrieved from a PDM system, retrieved from the hostserver, or retrieved from a local file as defined by module 1204. Module1206 determines whether a VIP 424 database exists and whether localstandards are managed. If no VIP 424 database exists, then the MDFAdvisor application is tailored in module 1208. This includes defininglocal cutters and entering shop standard information. If an integratedVIP database exists, then the system automatically integrates shopstandards into the MDF via module 1210. Local standards and cuttingtools are retrieved from the Integrated Producers (VIP) 424 byway ofmodule 1212.

The Tailored MDF is reviewed by the user in module 1214. If the localsubstitution is not acceptable in module 1216, the user can manuallymodify the MDF using the MDF Advisor application module 1218. When theMDF is acceptable, the CAM operations are created in module 1220. Theprocess for creating CAM operations will vary depending upon thesuppliers particular CAM system. The user can edit and complete the NCprogram using the native CAM system interface module 1222. The user thenvalidates the NC program in the preferred tool path and machinesimulation software in module 1224.

When the NC program is completed and validated module 1226, the processis complete. If not, the user edits and revalidates the NC program.

The major manufacturing tasks are retrieved, in module 1302, from theMDF, defined in module 1304, as shown in FIG. 13. Major manufacturingtasks include NC setups, CMM operations, and post processing operations.Each task is integrated into a high level schedule managed on hostserver module 1306.

The user, via module 1308, enters planning dates for each of the items.This includes planned start dates, planned end dates, actual startdates, and actual end dates. The user then updates the current statusbar in module 1310 on the host system. In module 1312 status trackingreports can be generated for a part or a group of parts. This can beconfigured to create exception reports based on certain items beinglate.

In module 1314, if the part is complete and the status tracking itemsare closed, the process is complete. If not, the user continues toupdate status the progress module 1310 until the process is complete.

The reader should note that the processes described above can be startedand stop and revisited numerous times until the final product isproduced. Since design parameters as well as manufactures and equipmentspecifications change over time, the present invention provides a uniqueand cost efficient way of managing these complex issues without havingto resort to rewriting potentially 10's of thousands of lines of CAD,CAM and NC machine language code to effectuate relatively minor changes.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the Method For Capturing,Managing, and Disseminating Manufacturing Knowledge of the presentinvention and in construction of this invention without departing fromthe scope or intent of the invention.

Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled inthe art from consideration of the specification and practice of theinvention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spiritof the invention being indicated by the following claims.

1. A memory for storing data for access by an application programexecutable on a data processing system, comprising: a data structure forconfiguring manufacturing knowledge and expertise in designing andfabricating an object for manufacture, the data structure stored in saidmemory, said data structure including information resident in a databaseused by said application program and including: a part level strategysection, the part level strategy section defines general part levelattributes and requirements for manufacturing an object; a numericalcontrol setup section, wherein the numerical control setup sectiondefines object fabrication activities for the object set up on anumerical control machine; a quality assurance section, wherein thequality assurance section defines numerical control machine setup; apost operation section, wherein the post operation section definesnon-machine tolling functions for manufacturing the object; and a manualoperation section, wherein the manual operation section definesattributes of non-Numerical Control machine driven operations.
 2. Thememory for storing data for access by an application program beingexecuted on a data processing system of claim 1, wherein the datastructure further including at least one of: a cutting tool assemblydefinition section, wherein the cutting tool assembly definition sectiondefines parameters and settings for a tool used in manufacturing theobject; a numerical control action section, wherein the numericalcontrol action section defines numerical control material removaloperations; and a quality assurance action section, wherein the qualitycontrol action section defines manual inspection activities for anumerical control machine setup.